ulrika jonssonUlrika Jonsson is reportedly in secret talks with GMTV bosses to replace Fiona Phillips as main female presenter on the breakfast show.

Fiona announced her intention to leave the programme last month after 12 years on the sofa, saying the early mornings interfered with her life as a mum to two young boys.

An inside source told the Mirror that the show’s bosses see her departure as a perfect time to overhaul the show - with mum of four Ulrika, who started her TV career on GMTV’s predecessor TV-AM in 1989, in the hot seat: “Fiona’s departure is a blow, but this gives us a chance to give the whole show a spring clean.

“Ulrika is perfect - beautiful and intelligent, with an ability to laugh at herself.

“[But more importantly] Ulrika is an experienced presenter and we are now in serious discussions.”

The source added that BBC Breakfast’s Kate Silverton is also in consideration as The One Show’s Christine Bleakley.